with malice. Ivy's chest clenched as she moved towards Gabriel, her heart thumping like

than I expected," Richard said, mockin

ing subtly to shield Ivy. "You're a c

o, Gabriel. I'm a realist. And

s voice low and dangerous. "Y

tilting his head. "But I've got

anded, her voice trembling but fi

oftened into something menacing. "This was never

rounding her. "Don't listen to

ds. "Oh, come now, Gabriel Let us not act like you are t

l snarled, his

to Ivy. "Did he tell you how this all started? How his

iel barked, st

d you?" Let me educate you, Ivy. Your father framed Gabriel's family for crimes they didn'

as she looked at Ga

sed, his jaw clenching.

. "That's one way to put it. O

d into Richard. "You

luding the part where you've been keeping secrets

ted, her voice brea

sion softening. "Ivy, don't liste

g. "Then tell me the truth, Gabriel.

of his secrets visible in his

she asked, her voice shakin

y. "Bravo, Ivy. See how

. "You've had your fun,

hed. "Oh no, Gabriel. She'

" Ivy demanded, frustratio

ay Gabriel's family. He betrayed you too. You're the l

the load of Richard's words so

ir like a blade. "Don't listen to

. "Or am I the only one

ust hanging by a thread. "Someone bett

his tone harsh. "You are in over you

Gabriel said, his tone fierce. "A

finger twitching on the trigger

ed like a spring. "Nei

threats. Ivy's thoughts raced, searching for a solution to ca

hrough her. "You're correct. I don't comprehend everything.

, curiosity flickerin

el's sudden intake of air. "You do not want

rned. "A deal? Now t

answered, her voice steady

iel hissed, ste

to silence him. "It

y. "Tempting, but how do you believe

t of time. If you murder him, I won't comp

Then he chuckled, his tone frigid and biting. "You

solid yet shaking. "Ivy, don't do this. "

m, her eyes gleaming.

replied, his voice snap

but she smiled so

ouching as this is, I have a sched

th you," Ivy

Go ahead, Gabriel. Run along. But if y

d, and his fists shook

e more time, her voice

sery etched on his fa

tly, her voice cra

. Gabriel's shout of rage echoed through the woods as he was force

e through the darkness. Her hands shivered in her lap as her thoughts r

ichard's voice broke through

id, her voice sharp.

. You're far more amu

ing way to defiance. "You won't

ered, his gaze harde

raced up her throat. The atmosphere was tight, and the fee

manded. "What do

is smile chilling. "You'

he could react, the doors were flung open, revealing a sprawling estate bathe

her to step out. "Wel

pushed herself to stand

ripping with condescension. "Oh

doors, her mind clung to one though

ng her in shadows, she heard a sweet, familiar voic

ed, and her b